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Simulation Phd Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Systems Engineer - Sr

Reston, VA · On-site

$110K - $151K/yr

Master's or PhD in Engineering, Physics, Applied Mathematics, Computer Science, or a related field and 11+ years relevant experience in modeling and simulation within a defense or national security ...

Systems Engineer - Sr

Reston, VA · On-site

$110K - $151K/yr

Master's or PhD in Engineering, Physics, Applied Mathematics, Computer Science, or a related field and 11+ years relevant experience in modeling and simulation within a defense or national security ...

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Simulation Phd information

What are the typical research collaboration opportunities available to a Simulation PhD within academia or industry?

Simulation PhD holders often work closely with multidisciplinary teams, including engineers, computer scientists, and domain experts, to develop and validate complex models. In academia, collaboration may involve joint research projects, co-authored publications, or participation in research consortia. In industry, Simulation PhDs might partner with product development teams, data analysts, or IT professionals to solve real-world problems and optimize processes. These collaborations not only enhance research impact but also provide valuable networking and career advancement opportunities.

What is a Simulation PhD?

A Simulation PhD is a doctoral degree focused on the development, application, and analysis of simulation techniques across various fields such as engineering, physics, computer science, or healthcare. Students in this program conduct advanced research to create or improve models that simulate real-world processes or systems. The degree typically involves coursework, comprehensive exams, and an original dissertation contributing new knowledge to the field of simulation. Graduates often pursue careers in academia, research, industry, or government, where they apply simulation to solve complex problems.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Simulation PhD, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Simulation PhD, you need advanced expertise in simulation modeling, mathematics, and data analysis, usually supported by a doctoral degree in a relevant field such as engineering or computer science. Proficiency with technical tools like MATLAB, Simulink, Python, or specialized simulation software, along with experience in programming and statistical analysis, is essential. Strong problem-solving skills, critical thinking, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for collaborating with interdisciplinary teams and presenting complex results. These abilities are important to drive innovation, ensure accurate research outcomes, and translate simulation results into practical solutions.
What job categories do people searching Simulation Phd jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Simulation Phd jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Simulation Phd jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Simulation Phd job openings:
Radar RF Signals Modeling and Simulation Engineer

Radar RF Signals Modeling and Simulation Engineer

SAIC

Chantilly, VA • Hybrid

Full-time

Posted 8 days ago


SAIC rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 78 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

71st of 204 rated it services


Job description

Job ID: 2613407

Location: Chantilly, VA, US

Date Posted: 2026-06-05

Category: Engineering and Sciences

Subcategory: Systems Engineer

Schedule: Full-Time

Shift: Day Job

Travel: No

Minimum Clearance Required: TS.SCI_wPoly

Clearance Level Must Be Able to Obtain: None

Potential for Remote Work: ORA_ON_SITE


Description

SAIC has a funded need for a Radar RF Signals Modeling and Simulation Engineer (Space Systems) to support an expanding Government Intelligence Community (IC) customer within the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) in Chantilly, VA.

This position offers a flexible work schedule, with core collaboration hours from 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m., allowing you to balance mission demands with personal flexibility while still engaging deeply with a world‑class engineering team.

Clearance Requirements: Top Secret/SCI with the ability to obtain a Poly.  (Note: The current Security Clearance must be held by an IC Customer.) 

Role Overview

As a senior technical contributor, you will analyze and design high-‑fidelity ground-based radar RF signal models of great importance to the NRO. Your modeling and simulation products will inform spacecraft and sensor design, mission planning, and system-of-systems behavior.  Some work will also require modeling and simulation of space-based radar systems.

You will work at the intersection of radar signal modeling, sensor phenomenology, digital signal processing and orbital mechanics, producing insights that will guide the design and operation of future NRO satellites. Your analyses will be used by senior Government leaders, system architects, and program managers to evaluate spacecraft design options and chart the path for next-generation‑ space capabilities.

Key Responsibilities to include:

  • Develop advanced RF simulations — Build, refine, and maintain physics-based‑ RF signal models of ground-based radars. Additional modeling work will support space-based radar payload design, acquisition and operations decisions.
  • Perform end-to-end mission modeling — Integrate orbital dynamics and system-level interactions to evaluate mission performance across full operational scenarios.
  • Automate modeling workflows — Use existing advanced custom MATLAB tools, develop related new modeling tools using one or more of MATLAB, Python, C, or similar tools.  Streamline data analysis for repeatable, high quality results.
  • Produce technical artifacts — Generate clear, defensible technical documentation, simulation reports, and visualizations that support engineering decisions, analysis reviews, and customer briefings.
  • Support design reviews & trade studies — Provide modeling-driven insights that quantify performance impacts, evaluate design alternatives, and inform system-level tradeoffs across spacecraft and mission architectures.

Qualifications

Required Education and Experience

  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Physics, or a related field with 9+ years of professional technical experience (Master’s degree with 7+ years, or PhD with 4+)
  • Current and Active Top Secret/SCI with the ability to obtain a Poly.  (Note: The current Security Clearance must be held by an IC Customer.) 
  • Radar signal modeling experience — 4+ years of system-level modeling and simulation for radar signals (preferred).
  • High ‑fidelity radar modeling — Experience developing or evaluating high fidelity radar signal models
  • Sensor phenomenology expertise — Strong understanding of radar phenomenology, electromagnetic propagation and antennas
  • Mathematics & estimation — Solid foundation in applied math and state estimation techniques used in modeling and simulation.


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